share it

You may know Jaime King as polished Southern belle Lemon Breeland on Hart of Dixie, but in real life the stunning model-turned-actress is decidedly more directional--and even more of a style icon as her onscreen character has become. Instead of Breeland’s sweet, vintage-inspired dresses and coordinating separates, you’ll find King in avant-garde outfits, embracing daring necklines, severe silhouettes, and other high-impact pieces on the red carpet. Her look is glamorous with a modern, eclectic take, whether she’s experimenting with a structured top and metallic trousers or breaking up a head-to-toe print with a sporty parka.

Though King’s love of high fashion may stem from her past modeling days, when she walked the runways for esteemed designers like Alexander McQueen and Karl Lagerfeld, we’re currently fixated on her latest projects. In addition to the addicting Hart of Dixie, which ends its second season on May 7th, King’s flexing her acting chops in Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, in theaters October 4th. She’ll reprise her role as Wendy in the highly anticipated sequel to the 2005 neo-noir action film Sin City. In other words, King has a busy year ahead of her, which is why we were thrilled when the actress took the time to stop by Who What Wear headquarters and talk fashion, specifically the tuxedo dressing trend we’ve been seeing everywhere lately. Read on to check out the inspiring outfit King put together and her favorite picks from our closet.

Her Look
King immediately gravitated towards Stella McCartney’s Off-White Cotton Lace Randall Shirt ($2165), styling the the feminine shirt with Porter Grey’s Silk and Cotton Trouser Shorts ($310, 323.655.5900) in Black and Christian Louboutin’s Pivichic Heels ($795) for an edgier, menswear-inspired contrast. “I like adding pieces of interest with different designs that are the antithesis of what the look is,” King explains. “That way, you’re thinking outside the box and not doing something head-to-toe.” To complete her going-out look, King chose subtly sophisticated accents, like Catbird’s Dark and Stormy Earrings ($98) in Oxidized Silver and Pavé Diamonds and Adornia’s Addison Ring ($345) in Rose Gold.

Her Picks1. Jill Stuart Marilyn Bra Top ($358, 212.343.2300) and Ranya Shorts ($428, 212.343.2300) in Black
This charming bra and shorts set marries contemporary and vintage-inspired elements. “It has a modern edge with the satin, and it’s a cool take on the whole look we are going for,” King explains.

2. Gerard Yosca N2002 NS Handcut Glass Stone Necklace ($650, 702.770.7000) in Antique Brass
Though King opted for a mostly monochrome palette during her styling session, she added hints of color via statement accessories. “That’s the one thing about this kind of dressing: you have to find a pop of color to break it up,” she says. “Hence the jewelry!”

3. Club Monaco Marina Top ($130)
King was drawn to the versatility of Club Monaco’s ruffled shirt. “This is great because a girl can pair this with a black pant, short, or skirt, because the weight of the fabric is so nice. It flows really beautifully.”

5. Jason Wu Black Silk Organza/Leather Belted Jacket ($1990, 310.550.5900)
“Jason Wu is one of my favorites, and he’s a good friend of mine,” King reveals. “This jacket is the perfect version of a modern tuxedo look. With the details and leather, it’s just exquisite.”

6. Manolo Blahnik Bondo Pumps ($855, 212.582.3007) in Black
King continued her menswear-inspired theme with a pair of Manolo Blahnik’s pointy-toe heels. “I love these shoes because they reminded me of a tuxedo,” she explains.